WSROC commends volunteers, calls on community to fill Covid gap

Cumberland volunteers celebrating National Volunteer Week.Cumberland City Council

Media release, 21 May 2020

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has commended community volunteers on their outstanding work as part of National Volunteer Week but warns that further assistance will continue to be needed as we emerge from Covid-19 lockdowns.

WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “This week is National Volunteer Week, a time when we acknowledge the valuable contribution made by volunteers across all aspects of society.

“As Australian’s we are exceedingly proud of our volunteer culture, however following a devastating summer of bushfires and the current Covid-19 pandemic, the true value of Australia’s volunteers has never been more apparent.

“From the outstanding Rural Fire Service, to community services such as Meals on Wheels; volunteers are always there when we need them fulfilling roles as diverse as frontline emergency response, checking in on the elderly, staffing charity shops, fund-raising and event management, or getting out into nature to completing bush regeneration.

“During difficult times such as these, charities and other community service organisations experience increased demand due to the financial and mental health challenges many people are facing. At the same time many regular volunteers – a large proportion of whom are older – have rightly decided to self-isolate to protect their own health,” said Clr Calvert.

“This has reduced the number of volunteers available during a time when their work is needed most.

“Many councils have been busy redeploying staff to assist local organisations such as Meals on Wheels, St Vincent de Paul and Mission Australia during Covid-19. I commend councils and their staff for these efforts. However, as council facilities begin to reopen from next month, and staff return to work, there will still be a need for community volunteers,” he said.

“The economic and health challenges created by Covid-19 will continue for some time, even as lock-down restrictions are lifted. We must also remember that recovery from last summer’s bushfires is still ongoing.

“I encourage anyone who has the time available, particularly those who are young and in good health, to consider signing up as a volunteer with an organisation you care about.

We are all in this together let’s carry our community spirit into the recovery phase,” said Clr Calvert.